ASHA Member Media Sources: Spreading the Word

Being a media source is an important way for ASHA members to volunteer, creating a positive impact on everyone involved—themselves, the professions, and the public. ASHA looks to members to help raise awareness of communication disorders at the grassroots level.

Many successful media sources who volunteer have no prior experience. It helps that ASHA members, by the very nature of their work, are good communicators. Most find that media interviews come very naturally to them.

Sign Up to Become a Media Source

Interested? Please send an email to pr@asha.org with the subject line, "Media Source." Provide your name, credentials, location, and any specific areas of expertise.

ASHA may contact volunteers when we learn of local media opportunities. However, ASHA members are encouraged to engage in their own outreach. ASHA’s public relations staff provides guidance on both fronts.

If you'd like tips about conducting your own grassroots outreach—writing a Letter to the Editor or an article for your local newspaper, or pitching a television segment—read the bi-monthly online column "Spreading the Word" in The ASHA Leader.

Benefits of Becoming a Media Source

Volunteering as a media source for ASHA offers two levels of benefits:

Raises your profile as an expert—Through media exposure, ASHA members can raise their profile in their professional circles, among community and state leaders, and with the local public. For those in private practice, this may have the added benefit of gaining new patients.
Shines a light on communication disorders and the professions—Media coverage is one of the best ways to raise awareness about communication disorders, and the role of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Media sources provide accurate, evidence-based information that helps showcase the compelling work and contributions made by ASHA members every day.

Media Outreach Champions

ASHA honors members who have engaged in exceptional media work with its “Media Outreach Champion” awards. Media champions are recognized at the ASHA Convention each November.